I can't remember exactly when I first realized I was the owner of a random dark chin hair, but I am positive I plucked it out as soon as humanly possible. I also know I'm not the only one who has frantically raced to the mirror after finding an unwelcome little friend on their face. Of course body hair is completely normal, but it can be seriously frustrating to deal with unwanted coarse hair in highly visible places. And while chin hair might not be the most glamorous beauty concern out there, you'll need to consider a variety of factors if you want to figure out what's causing the hair growth, and to determine the best way to remove it.
What Causes Stray Chin Hairs?
"Chin hairs in women, often referred to as hirsutism, can be caused by a combination of factors, including hormones and genetics," says Dr. Margarita Lolis, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New Jersey. Some cases of hirsutism are more severe than others, but for a random hair or two sprouting from your chin, you're likely dealing with fluctuating hormone levels.
As Dr. Ryan Turner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and co-founder ofTRNR Skin explains, "Chin hair often appears once women hit middle age because estrogen levels decrease in perimenopause and drop off significantly in menopause. In the meantime, testosterone levels stay at similar levels." He adds that this testosterone can result in more male secondary sex characteristics, including facial hair.
People with uteruses might also be dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other adrenal gland disorders, which can lead to hormonal imbalances that cause excessive hair growth. However, if you're not battling any hormone fluctuations and you're still plagued by random chin hairs, it might be time to ask female relatives if they have similar hair growth patterns. If so, Dr. Lolis explains that your chin hair is likely a genetic trait.
Your ethnicity also plays a factor into whether or not you'll be susceptible to growing facial hair, in addition to skin pigmentation. Dr. Turner points to a 2014 study that observed how the location of your ancestors impacted how likely participants were to develop upper lip hair. For example, Caucasian women had the least hair growth of any other ethnicity (Indian women were the most likely), but Caucasian Italian women were more likely than Caucasian British women to develop facial hair. So, if you're feeling annoyed about that stubborn chin hair, feel free to blame your family members.
How to Remove Stray Chin Hairs
Luckily, hair removal options are more sophisticated than ever, especially for more long-term methods, but both Dr. Turner and Dr. Lolis say that good old fashioned tweezers, like the Revlon Expert Tweezer Slant Tip ($9), are well-suited for the job. "For sparse chin hairs, removal may depend on personal preference," says Dr. Lolis. "Plucking is ideal for a few stray hairs and allows you to target individual hairs; waxing is more effective for removing multiple hairs at once." However, Dr. Turner stresses caution when using wax as it can cause unnecessary trauma to the skin and potentially lead to hyperpigmentation.
Revlon Expert Tweezer Slant Tip
Laser hair removal is also an excellent option if you're tired of weekly maintenance at home, or if you have more than a few random hairs, and should result in permanent hair reduction over a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart. Says Dr. Lolis, "Laser beams target the pigment in hair follicles, destroying the follicle's ability to grow hair. This is best for people with dark hair, [but] does not work for patients with light and white hair."
If you have lighter hair, or haven't seen improvement with a laser, Dr. Turner suggests visiting a hair removal professional for electrolysis. As he explains, "During this treatment, the provider will insert a thin wire into the hair follicle, destroying it with electrical current," which permanently removes the hair.
Regardless of how you want to tackle chin hairs, it's always a good idea to visit a dermatologist if they are bothering you, especially if you can't figure out what's causing the hairs or if the growth is sudden and excessive. When hormonal fluctuations are involved, your derm might refer you to an endocrinologist or another healthcare professional for a consultation. At the very least, they will be able to help you find a hair removal plan that works for your schedule and budget, even if that's just recommending a really, really good pair of tweezers.
